Professional Qualification in the Elevator and Escalator Industry
Introduction: In Iran, professional competence refers to a set of competencies including knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are determined according to the proportion of each job or profession. These competencies are acquired by the individual in educational and experiential processes in educational, work, and community environments and become professional behavior1.
The Regulations of the Professional Competence System were approved by the Council of Ministers in 2012 and its objectives include creating a suitable platform for the expansion and promotion of professional competencies, formalizing a variety of professional competencies at the national and international levels, and standardizing the processes related to the evaluation of educational certificates and educational qualifications1.
Legal Approvals and Upstream Documents of Professional Competence
In Iran, there are several legal enactments related to professional competence that help to promote professional competencies and assess the capabilities of the workforce. Some of the most important of these approvals are:
1. Law on the Comprehensive System of Technical, Vocational and Skill Education and Training: This law was approved in 2017 and its purpose is to expand professional competencies and promote the status of technical, vocational and vocational education and training.
1. The Comprehensive System of Technical, Vocational and Skill Education and Training Law: This law was approved in 2017 and aims to expand professional competencies, improve the status of technical, vocational and skill education and training, and reduce the gap between the level of competence of the country’s workforce and the level of international standards. (14/11/2017 – Islamic Consultative Assembly – Notification No. 78956/28)
2. Regulations of the Professional Competence System: This regulation was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2012 and includes a set of competencies including knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which are determined according to each job or profession. (In implementation of Article 21 of the Law on the Development of the Fifth Five-Year Plan – 13/10/2012)
3. National Professional Competency Framework: This framework was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2022 and has been developed in order to create a suitable platform for the development and promotion of professional competencies and the evaluation of human capital capabilities.
Objectives of the Professional Competence System Framework
The Professional Competency Framework pursues the following objectives:
– Creating cohesion between technical, vocational and skill education and training systems (primary and continuous), higher education, general education, organized and unorganized labor market training.
– Facilitating the mobility of the workforce and learners on a national and international scale
– Improving the quality and increasing the productivity of educational systems
– Explaining the pathways of learning progress and professional development and how they are related
– Compatibility of professional standards, assessment and training with professional qualification framework levels
– Recognize the outcomes of formal, informal, and unstructured learning and promote, support, and lifelong learning
– Facilitating the organization of the supply and demand of the country’s human capital
– Increasing transparency, efficiency and coordination between sectoral professional systems and the national professional qualification system
Executive Guarantee of the National Professional Competence Law
The executive guarantee of the Professional Competence Law in Iran is provided by several different regulations and guidelines. These rules and regulations are designed to ensure that professional standards are met and that the competencies of the workforce are promoted. Some of these guarantees include:
1. Regulations of the Professional Competence System: This regulation includes a set of competencies that are determined in proportion to each job or profession and its objectives include creating a suitable platform for the development and promotion of professional competencies and the evaluation of human capital capabilities.
2. Guidelines for Evaluating the Professional Competence of Administrative System Employees: This guideline has been compiled for the purpose of ranking and promoting employees in different classes and ranks and includes the criteria for how to promote employees in the categories and ranks of the right to job table.
3. National Professional Competency Framework: This framework has been developed in order to create coherence between technical, vocational and skill education and training systems and to evaluate human capital capabilities.
These rules and regulations are designed to ensure compliance with professional standards and promote the competencies of the
The Role of the University of Applied Sciences in the Supreme Council of Professional Competence
The University of Applied Sciences plays an important role in the Center for Evaluation of Technical, Vocational and Skill Education and Training. This university, as a representative of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, has an active presence in the specialized working groups of supervision and evaluation and professional qualifications1.
The main tasks of the University of Applied Sciences in this center include the following:
1. Developing the National Professional Competency Framework: The University of Applied Sciences is involved in developing and updating the National Professional Competency Frameworks to ensure that the skills and knowledge required by the labor market are properly taught1.
2. Offering courses: The university offers scientific-applied courses at the associate and undergraduate levels, which aim to improve the skills level of employees and graduates.
3. Cooperation with industry: The University of Applied Sciences collaborates with various industries to identify and meet their educational and skill needs2.
Professional Qualification in Elevator and Escalator Industry – International
United States
In the United States, elevator technicians typically undergo a combination of formal training and on-the-job training. The National Elevator Industry Training Program (NEIEP) offers a comprehensive apprenticeship program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Technicians must pass a series of tests to obtain certification. Key skills include electrical and mechanical skills, safety regulations, and problem-solving ability. In the United States, professional competence in the elevator and escalator industry is regulated and supervised by various organizations and associations. Some of these organizations include the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) and the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF)1.
Canada
In Canada, professional qualification in the elevator and escalator industry is regulated by various apprenticeship programs and certifications. For example, completing a four- to five-year internship program or a combination of four years of work experience and studying related courses is required to obtain a work permit1.
In the provinces of Quebec and Alberta, obtaining a work certificate
1. These certifications ensure that technicians and engineers have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. In Toronto and neighboring provinces, TSSA is responsible for conducting professional qualification exams in the industry with the help of Ontario Trade College.
Germany
In Germany, the responsibility for certifying the technical proficiency of elevator technicians rests with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Through the Recognition Act, the Ministry conducts the necessary assessments to equate foreign professional qualifications with German occupations1.
Japan.
In Japan, the responsibility for verifying the professional qualifications of elevator technicians rests with several certification organizations and bodies. One of the prominent organizations in this field is Japan Elevator Services Holding Corporation (JES), which has its own in-house certification system for technical personnel. The system includes different levels of competence to ensure that technicians are well-trained in maintenance and safety.
China
In China, the technical skills of elevator technicians are mainly supervised by the National Professional Qualification Certification System (NVQCs). The system is managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) and ensures that technicians meet the required standards through various levels of certification.
Uk
In the UK, the technical skills of elevator technicians are mainly regulated by the Elevator and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA). LEIA offers a variety of training programs and certifications to ensure that technicians meet industry standards.
In addition, National Professional Qualification Certificates (NVQs) are recognized certifications in the UK that assess the skills and knowledge of technicians in real-world settings. THESE CERTIFICATIONS ARE OFTEN AWARDED BY INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS BTECH T EDEXCELL EAL.
Poland
In Poland, as one of the countries of Eastern Europe, the elevator industry has its own framework. The Poland Qualifications Framework (PQF) is a system of reference that describes the competencies conferred in Poland. The system consists of eight levels, each describing the scope and complexity of the knowledge, skills, and social competencies required. Elevator technicians must meet certain levels of PQF to be recognized as qualified professionals.
Austria
In Austria, the responsibility for the certification of the technical skills of elevator technicians rests with the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF). The ministry conducts the necessary assessments for technical qualifications.
Turkey
In Turkey, the Ministry of Industry and Technology is responsible for certifying the technical proficiency of elevator technicians. The ministry conducts the necessary assessments for technical qualifications through various organizations and training programs1.
Australia
In Australia, it is the responsibility of Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to certify the technical proficiency of elevator technicians. The organization conducts the necessary assessments for technical qualifications, and in order to obtain certification, technicians must meet certain criteria1.
United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, the responsibility for certifying the technical proficiency of elevator technicians rests with the Ministry of Human Resources and the UAE (MOHRE). The ministry has different categories for professional skills, which also includes elevator technicians1.
Professional Qualification of the Elevator and Escalator Industry in Iran
Although the history of professional qualification with a relatively different literature was formed in Iran in 2001, but with the establishment of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in this industry, the way was paved for the provision of trained human resources. Holding specialized training courses, technical manager and technical technician exams under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade since 2006, has played a significant role in the formation of a skilled human resources framework in this industry. However, over time, this process has undergone changes and evolution.
Professional competence in the elevator and escalator industry of Iran also benefits from the 8-level ISCO model. It includes a set of specialized skills and knowledge that are essential for performing various tasks in the industry. Some of the key jobs in this field and the qualifications they require include:
1. Mechanical Elevator Installation Technician: This job involves the mechanical installation and commissioning of elevators. Required qualifications include technical knowledge of mechanics, the ability to read technical drawings, and practical skills in installing and adjusting mechanical parts1.
2. Electrical Installation and Elevator Commissioning Technician: This job includes the skills necessary to install electrical components, mechanical configurations, and procedures necessary for elevator commissioning and delivery. Technical knowledge in the field of electricity, electronics, and mechanics is required in this job.
3. Elevator Service and Maintenance Technician: This job includes the necessary skills for service and maintenance, limited repairs of all types of elevators. A general knowledge of different systems, mastery of the concept of preventive maintenance and repairs is necessary in this job.
4. Technical Director of Elevator Design and Calculations: This job involves technical design and calculations for the installation and commissioning of elevators. Required qualifications include in-depth knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, the ability to perform complex calculations, and familiarity with safety and quality standards1.
5. Elevator Installation Technical Manager: This job involves supervising the installation process and making